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Advice for Hiking the High Peaks in Keene

PAUSING for safety

The Town of Keene is joining with fellow New Yorkers and friends around the world in a PAUSE to resistthe spread of the COVID-19 virus.Please understand that this is not the time to visit the Adirondacks. Our natural beauty and welcomingresidents will be here for you after the crisis passes. We ask you to respect the guidance of health careexperts who say the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is for all of us to remain home.We also ask that you be grateful for the work of those on the front lines of this health care emergency.For some Adirondack inspiration to pick you up during this PAUSE click here

SAFETY IN THE MOUNTAINS

To reduce Covid-19 health risks associated with crowding, the Town of Keene is prohibiting spill-over hiker parking on some local streets during the governor's “New York State on PAUSE” directive.

Parking on Johns Brook, Market and Adirondack Streets in Keene Valley will be limited to local residents beginning Friday, April 24. Direct access to the Garden, which is the jumping off point for major trails into the Johns Brook Valley and the Great Range, will remain open for local hikers and visitors. Once the46-car lot is full, spill-over parking will not be permitted. Signs and traffic barricades will mark where it is illegal to park. Violators will be towed.

Keene, along with New York State, ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club) and the Adirondack 46ers, isworking to reduce health risks for residents and visitors, and to protect scarce medical and rescue resources. Local outdoor organizations are encouraging people to 'stay out of the High Peaks' right now. Hikers are encouraged to maintain social distancing on the trail by keeping six feet apart, wearing masks when with others, and hiking locally.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has closed all fire towers and ADK has suspended bothADK's Fire Tower Challenge and the Northville-Placid Trail Challenge. The Adirondack 46ers are strongly encouraging people to avoid the Adirondack High Peaks region until the governor has lifted the PAUSE directive. Many parking lots have significantly reduced capacity, including those at the Heart Lake Program Center and the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, (from 80 to 28 spots), south of Keene Valley.

The Town of Keene is the home of the High Peaks, and some of the most popular trailheads are located along NY State Route 73. These great mountains attract lots of hikers. To make sure your hike goes as planned, make sure you know what to expect.

On weekends and nice summer days, parking at these trailheads fills up early, often before 7 am. Here are some of the areas where parking becomes a problem on a regular basis:

Owls Head (Keene); Access is restricted to week days only. The majority of this trail is on private property. Please respect the property owners and don’t wander off the trail or park blocking their driveways.

Cascade Mountain; the parking is in North Elba, but the mountain is in Keene. Currently, roadside parking is allowed, but this is subject to change. Click for current conditions: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9198.html

There are two effective strategies you can follow to have a smooth and enjoyable experience setting off into the woods.

Arrive EARLY. Plan to be there by 6:30 at the latest.

Plan Ahead! (see below)

Planning Ahead

If you are climbing the 46ers, try to plan your ascent of the most popular peaks for weekdays and shoulder seasons. Otherwise, get there early. Click for current conditions: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9198.html

Some mountains have many routes to the top. Giant can be reached from a number of different trailheads. The Wolf Jaws, Gothics, and the rest of the Great Range can be reached via the Au Sable Club, Rooster Comb, and Garden parking lots. That gives you lots of options and the shuttle from Marcy Field: https://www.townofkeeneny.com/2019-garden-hiker-shuttle-information

Alternate Hikes

Baxter Mountain: A shorter hike with excellent views. Park on Rt 9N.

Hurricane Mountain: A beautiful hike and a historic fire tower This trail is well designed and built, so you can hike it when it’s muddy and not contribute to trail erosion.

Blueberry Mountain: A rugged ascent to a great view. You can continue on to Porter & Cascade. You will see very few people on this hike. Trail leaves from rear of Marcy Field parking lot.

Mt. Van Hovenberg Trail: The new trail is well designed and parking is easy. Park at the bobsled run and follow the signs. Great views!

If you want solitude, go into the Sentinel Wilderness. You won’t knock off a 46er, but you will not see other hikers or any brown and yellow signs telling you where to go. You can hike through the South Notch from River Road in Lake Placid and exit at the end of the Old Mountain Road in Keene. The North Notch by Holcomb Pond on River Road also has through access to Keene or you can hike up Kilburn Mt. These hikes will test your navigation skills, so be prepared!

Here is a unique adventure that provides an alternative to hiking only the 46 High Peaks: http://transadk.com/

Be prepared; this guide is not a How-to-Hike manual.

Bring a map and know how to use it. If you can’t park at your first choice hike, a map can help you find a new goal and successfully climb it. It can also help you not get lost.

You can also stop at Marcy Field and get advice from a Town of Keene Front Country Steward. They can help you find a suitable hike and direct you to it.